Sydney transformed for a lucky New Year

Official festival launch（photo by Liting Zhuang)

SYDNEY, Jan. 22 (People’s Daily Online) – A massive street party and colorful arches along the light rail line will herald the start of the lunar new year, as Sydney celebrates with its biggest ever Lunar Festival.

 The streets, laneways, and squares of Chinatown, Haymarket and Darling Harbour will be transformed with free performances, markets and carnival rides for Lunar Lanes on 25 January.

 The event marks the start of the Lunar New Year and 16 days of Sydney Lunar Festival celebrations from the City of Sydney.

Speaking at the official festival launch, City of Sydney Councillor Robert Kok said the Sydney Lunar Festival events, exhibitions, and performances represented the many cultures and communities of Sydney.

Festival curator, artist Valerie Khoo, explained that this year’s celebrations will feature more than 100 events across Sydney.

 “From our laneway party on opening night to community dance performances and the famous dragon boat races at Darling Harbour, there’s truly something for everyone,” Ms. Khoo said.

This year’s entertainment also includes a troupe of 24 performers and musicians from the northwestern Chinese province of Shaanxi, she added.

In 2019, the festival attracted close to 1.5 million people who spent nearly $42 million in total, which was a wonderful boost for the local economy.